Surface Ship Fat Line Towed Array Cut-Resistant Vibration Isolation Module (VIM) Hose

The objective of the Phase II Program under Topic N181-034 is to support the construction and transition of the improved, cut-resistant Vibration Isolation Module (VIM) hose into fleet operations. During the Phase I effort, METSS clearly demonstrated proof-of-concept designs to toughen the VIM’s outer jacket against associated forces related to high-tension, longline fishing tackle. However, the impetus of the Phase II is to optimize the final cut-resistant design with respect to key performance benchmarks, e.g., vibration/sound attenuation, prototype manufacturability, production scaling, environmental service life requirements as provided in MIL-STD-810G, VIM hose destructive testing, quality assurance, and supply chain procurement capabilities. Material selection and testing will be optimized using statistical Design of Experiments. Experimental results will be validated using simulation modeling software. By the end of the proposed effort, METSS will have demonstrated an ability to thoroughly evaluate a prototype VIM at Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport RI (NUWCDIVNPT), as well as system/subsystem testing at Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho.